Empowerment Self-Defense (ESD) is a comprehensive violence prevention strategy suitable for all individuals in vulnerable situations (eg. age, gender, race, etc). It utilizes a blend of mental, verbal, and physical techniques proven to effectively reduce incidences of abuse. Classes are experiential, focusing on teaching through active participation, engaging both the mind and body.

ESD is structured around five core principles: THINK, YELL, FIGHT, RUN, TELL. Instructors use these principles to teach skills for de-escalating violence and defending oneself and others. These skills are accessible to everyone, regardless of height, weight, or physical ability, emphasizing not just self-defense but also fostering a sense of self-reliance and empowerment.

The aim of ESD is not only to educate participants but also to make the learning process as enjoyable as possible.

Learn more about ESD around the world: HERE

Our approach aligns with the five core competencies of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), which are:

• self-awareness

• self-management

• social-awareness

• relationship skills

• responsible decision making.

We use an experiential approach to these build these competencies using stories, discussion, role-play, games, and martial-arts. This way, students gain intellectual and experiential learning around important topics such as boundaries, consent, conflict resolution, situational awareness, etc.

Why this approach? Because research asserts that the most impactful programs designed to promote social and emotional competencies use active forms of learning based on movement and participation.

Furthermore, a growing body of international evidence demonstrates that promotion, prevention, and early intervention initiatives show positive returns on investment.

Don’t just take our word for the benefits of SEL. Read more here: Middle Years Development Index Report and here: CASEL

Physical literacy is defined as "the ability to move with competence and confidence in a wide variety of physical activities in multiple environments that benefit the healthy development of the whole person".

Learning how our body learns, moves, and communicates with us and others, helps build bodily autonomy, which helps build self confidence and competence.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for self-defense utilizes control, leverage and timing over aggression, power or strength to keep oneself safe. It is perfect for the smaller person as it instills the notion that “you are the boss of your own body”.

*No previous martial arts experience required.

PLEASE NOTE: We do not condone or encourage violence or aggression. Our approach emphasizes deescalation, options, and escape. Classes do not involve sparring but does utilize partner work.

Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, Arise follows BC’s Revised Curriculum to guide instruction, ensure age-appropriateness and support schools to address these important topics with their students.

See connections here.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. At its heart are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call for action by all countries - developed and developing - in a global partnership.

Arise + the SDGs:

Goal 3: Good Health and Wellbeing. The rate of children and youth experiencing mental health challenges is rising; to combat this, our programs utilize movement and martial arts along with discussion-based SEL activities to teach practical skills, activate feel good hormones and instil the notion that one is the boss of their own body.

Goal 4: Quality Education. Healthy schools breed healthy students. When students and staff work, learn and play in a culture of positive communication, respectful boundaries and empowering attitudes, students are set up for success. The SEL concepts of self-awareness, self-management, social-awareness, relationship skills and responsible decision making are at the core of our “whole-being approach” to self-defense. These concepts are proven to reinforce positive relationships and self-confidence and reduce stress, anxiety and bullying.

Goal 5: Gender Equality. When girls, and those who identify as female or with the female and femme experience, feel safe and properly equipped to handle conflict, they grow in confidence, positive assertiveness and are able to contribute more to the world. While we hope for a world where gender-based violence is no more, the need to protect ourselves is our reality. Furthermore, by engaging in co-ed classes, boys can also learn how to use their behaviour, words and body to respect others, which is fundamental in the fight against violence.

Read more: https://sdgs.un.org/goals